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In
The News
2006
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
BOSTON -May 30, 2006- Enjoy the festivities at the 27th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday,
June 11, 2006, from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., taking place along the Charles River between JFK street and the
Western Avenue Bridge. Come marvel at the brightly colored dragon boats, as they are raced down the Charles River
by lively paddlers from Greater Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and as far away as Canada. The festival is sponsored
in part by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, United Commercial Bank, Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Mohegan Sun,
State Street, Verizon, Keyspan, the Dragon Boat Festival Committee of Boston Children’s Museum, and more.
This year’s festival, which is the
largest Asian American celebration in New England, will include more than 34 teams competing in three categories:
mixed, corporate and women’s. A special heat will be devoted to breast cancer survivors. It will also feature
traditional Chinese arts and crafts by the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association; a Lion Dance; Traditional
Indian Dance; martial arts, Chinese dance and music; traditional Japanese festival drumming and Asian foods. The
festival, free and open to the public, will be held rain or shine.
The Legend of the Dragon Boat Races
Traditionally held on the fifth day of
the fifth moon on the lunar calendar (late May to mid June on the solar calendar), the Dragon Boat Festival
commemorates the life and death of the Qu Yuan (340-278 BC). A political leader of Chu, Qu Yuan is recognized as
China’s first distinguished poet. Qu Yuan lost the king’s favor and was banished from his home state of Chu because
of his opposition to the prevalent policy of compromise to the powerful state of Qin. In exile, he wrote the poem,
“Encountering Sorrow” which shows a great loyalty to his state and its people. In 278, Qu Yuan heard that Chu had
been invaded. In despair, he drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. The people of Chu rushed to the river to rescue
him. Too late to save Qu Yuan, they splashed furiously and threw zung-ze (traditional rice dumplings wrapped in
bamboo leaves) into the river as a sacrifice to his spirit and to keep the fishes away from his body.
Today, the Dragon Boat Festivals are
popular around the world. The first US Dragon Boat Festival held in Boston was used as a vehicle to promote Asian
culture and a chance to bring together diverse communities from Boston and surrounding areas. In previous years,
more than 20,000 people lined the banks of the Charles to enjoy the festivities and performances.
For more information, check out the
Festival website at www.bostondragonboat.org or call
(617) 426-6500, x 778 for a recorded message.
About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum exists to help children
understand and enjoy the world in which they live. It is a private, non-profit, educational institution that is recognized
internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children's exhibitions, educational programs and
curriculum. Boston Children’s Museum focuses on three key areas of expertise: visitor programs, teacher resources and
early childhood education. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at
www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.
Hours and Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m. and Fridays until 9:00 p.m. Children (2-15) and senior citizens, $7; other adults $9; one year olds, $2;
Fridays 5:00pm – 9:00pm, all visitors $1. Infants under one and Museum members are always free. Special rates
available for school and community groups; reservations required, call (617) 426-8433.
2005
The 2005
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Boston
2004
Dragon
Boat Festival Returns to the Charles
New
Dragon Boats Arrive for June 13th Races
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